05/08/2013 Get your skis on!

5 Aug 2013

Eurostar’s ski services to the French and Swiss Alps open for sale Eurostar’s popular ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the heart of the French and Swiss Alps will open for sale on Eurostar.com at 6.30am* on 6 August 2013.

The Swiss ski train

Launched in 2012, Eurostar’s Swiss ski service transports skiers and snowboarders from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the heart of the Swiss Alps and the Valais region, with return fares starting from only £179.

This year, the route will run over five peak weeks during the 2013/2014 ski season including Christmas, New Year and February half term,** and passengers can carry skis or snowboards all the way at no extra cost.

With an easy connection in Lille Europe onto a high-speed TGV Lyria service, passengers arrive into Vallorbe, Aigle, Martigny, Visp and Brig stations, from where they can make easy connections to nearby ski resorts including Verbier, Zermatt and Saas Fee. Eurostar ticket holders benefit from exclusive, discounted onward travel to these resorts, simply by booking their ticket in advance through the Switzerland Travel Centre (STC) on 020 7420 4934.

The French ski train

Eurostar’s popular direct day and night services to the French ski towns of Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne*** and Bourg St Maurice also go on sale on the 6 August, with return fares starting from £149. The 2013/2014 seasonal ski services will run weekly from 20 December 2013 until 12 April 2014.

The stations offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps, such as Les Arcs, Courchevel, Tignes, Val D'Isère, Meribel and many more, allowing people to choose a resort that matches their needs. For added convenience, Eurostar allows ski passengers to carry on-board an extra item of luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard - at no extra cost.

Eurostar runs a Friday overnight service which arrives in the French Alps early on a Saturday morning and a return leg departing late on a Saturday evening - perfect for winter sports enthusiasts looking to maximise their time on the slopes. Alternatively, whilst on board one of the Saturday day services, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy stunning views of the French countryside before they arrive rested and ready to hit the slopes.

Tickets for the Swiss and French ski services are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

* Public sales will open at 6:30am for dotcom and 8am for Eurostar's Contact Centre

**Swiss Ski Service Travel Dates and Timetable

21/12/13: London – Swiss Alps

28/12/13: London – Swiss Alps / Swiss – London

04/01/14: London – Swiss Alps Swiss Alps > London only

15/02/14: London – Swiss Alps

22/02/14: London – Swiss Alps / Swiss – London

01/03/14: London – Swiss Alps / Swiss – London

08/03/14: London – Swiss Alps Swiss Alps > London only

***Travel to Aime La Plagne is for outbound passengers only, for inbound travel back to London passengers need to board at Bourg St Maurice

2. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

3. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 130 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.

4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

Eurostar International Limited is an Appointed Representative of AWP Assistance UK Limited (trading as Allianz Global Assistance) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). AWP Assistance UK Limited FCA registration number is 311909. FCA authorisation can be checked on the FCA register at http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/